Author: Tatoyan Vazgen

MONSIEUR OR MADAME?

Sabah, Turkey
Reuters
April 23 2007

44 million French people have voted in the first tour of presidential
elections. The election dominated by right-wing front-runner Nicolas
Sarkozy and Socialist Segolene Royal, who hopes to be the first woman
elected head of state.

Elections in France carry an important role in Turkey’s membership
to the EU since Segolene Royal supports Turkey while Sarkozy opposes
Turkey’s membership. Both candidates want Turkey to recognize Armenian
genocide.

French turn out in force for presidential election

French voters flocked to choose a new president on Sunday in an
election dominated by right-wing front-runner Nicolas Sarkozy and
Socialist Segolene Royal, who hopes to be the first woman elected
head of state.

Sarkozy, a tough-talking former interior minister, led Royal and the
other 10 candidates in opinion polls throughout the long campaign.

But neither was on course to obtain an absolute majority, making a
run-off between them likely on May 6.

The campaign was characterized by calls for change after 12 years of
conservative rule by President Jacques Chirac which have left one of
the world’s wealthiest nations divided and in need of economic reform,
job creation and a dose of self belief.

"The French people know the importance of this vote, its seriousness,
and I share their sentiment of living through a very important
day," Royal told reporters after casting her vote in the western
Poitou-Charentes region where she is leader.

Royal, 53, has pledged to re-unite the country and build a "fairer
and stronger" France where all citizens would be equal. The ruling
UMP party’s Sarkozy, 52, has promised a break with the past, and a
crackdown on crime and illegal immigration.

Voter turnout was more than 31 percent at 1000 GMT, the Interior
Ministry said, the highest rate at this stage since 1981 and about 10
percentage points higher than at the same time in the last presidential
election in 2002.

The brisk voting in sunny weather followed a big rise in voter
registration before the election and reflected widespread concern
that voter apathy could lead to another shock after far-right leader
Jean-Marie Le Pen, reached the second-round run-off in 2002.

START OF EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP OF GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLING UNSUCCESSFUL FOR ARMENIAN SPORTSMEN

Noyan Tapan
Apr 20 2007

SOFIA, APRIL 20, NOYAN TAPAN. Representatives of 4 weight categories
performed on April 19 in Europe Championship of Greco-Roman Wrestling
being held in Sofia. Sportsmen representing Armenia Ashot Khachatrian
(55 kg, Yerevan), Arman Adikian (66 kg, Etchmiadzin), Denis Forov
(84 kg, Yerevan) and super-heavyweight Yuri Partikiyev were defeated
in the preliminary tours and did not gain any medals.

MELINE DALUZIAN WINS CHAMPION’S TITLE IN EUROPE WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP

Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2007

STRASBOURG, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. Meline Daluzian (Gyumri) was
recognized the winner in the 63 kg weigth category of the women’s
tournament of the Europe weight-lifting championship being held in the
city of Strasbourg, France, and was awarded the champion’s gold medal
(pull 108 kg, push 135 kg, biathlon 243 kg). M. Daluzian established
3 new records.

Representative of Armenia Arsen Tamrazian (Gyumri) took the 14th place
with a result of 271 kg in biathlon (121+150=271 kg) in the 62 kg
weight category of the men’s struggle. And representative of Russia,
an Armenian by the origin, 19-year Sergey Petrosian (130+159=289)
became the champion.

COLORADO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTS THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

ArmRadio.am
19.04.2007 10:18

The entire Colorado congressional delegation unanimously supports the
House and Senate Armenian Genocide Resolutions, reports the Armenian
Assembly of America.

Congressman Mark Udall (D) was the first member of the Colorado
congressional delegation to cosponsor this bipartisan resolution,
followed by Representatives Marilyn Musgrave (R), Diana DeGette
(D), Doug Lamborn (R), Ed Perlmutter (D) and John Salazar (D). Also,
Thomas Tancredo (R), pledged to the Assembly that he will sign on as a
cosponsor of H. Res. 106. In addition, Senators Wayne Allard (R) and
Ken Salazar (D) are supporters of the Armenian Genocide Resolution,
S. Res. 106.

The Assembly’s Colorado ARAMAC (Armenian American Action Committee)
State Chair Pamela Barsam Brown has been working closely with the
offices of the state’s lawmakers.

"Colorado’s Senators and Representatives have been wonderful in
their tremendous support of reaffirmation of the U.S. record of the
Armenian Genocide," said Barsam Brown. "We hope other states will
follow Colorado’s example."

In addition to congressional support, the Armenian Genocide has
also been acknowledged at the state and municipal governmental
levels. Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado and Mayor John Hickenlooper
of Denver have both issued proclamations on the Armenian Genocide.

The Colorado State legislature has also issued a joint resolution
sponsored by State Senators Stephanie Takis and Lois Tochtrop and State
Representative Michael Garcia, stating that "Remembrance of April 24,
2007 and every April 24th hereafter as Colorado Day of Remembrance
of the Armenian Genocide."

"We greatly appreciate the active support of the entire Colorado
delegation in affirming the incontestable fact of the Armenian
Genocide," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We applaud
the activism and dedication of Pamela Barsam Brown and the Colorado
Armenian community for this achievement."

RA PRIME MINISTER HOLDS CONSULTATION DEDICATED TO SETTLEMENT OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF MARZ OF ARAGATSOTN

Noyan Tapan
Apr 10 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian held
a consultation on April 17 to discuss results of his working visit
paid to the marz of Aragatsotn with those responsible for separate
spheres. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Government’s Information
and Public Relations Department, RA Minister of Urban Development, RA
Government Staff Head-Minister, the Executive Director of the Social
Investments Fund of Armenia and the Chairman – Director General of the
"Hayrusgasard" CJSC Board participated in the consultation.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the goal of the consultation is to
respond problems the population of the marz is interested in, find
possible effective solutions to them in a short time. Emphasizing
that it is, of course, not possible to give solutions in few days or
one week, he considered it the problem of those responsible to study
the arisen issues at places, in the given settlements, and to give
a clear response to people concerning terms of their solution.

The Prime Minister drew the consultation participants’ attention to
problems of vital importance arisen by the population of Aragatsotn,
starting from the irrigation and drinking water to gasification,
improvement of flat conditions and allocation of pensions in
time. Connected with the latter, he instructed the Chairman of the RA
Social Insurance State Fund to organize works of paying pensions in
the way that in all the settlements of the republic pensioners gets
pension of the given month at the beginning of the month.

Those responsible for the spheres presented their approaches concerning
possible terms and financial resources for solution of the problems
separately discussed during the consultation, the Prime Minister gave
corresponding instructions.

10 PUPILS FROM ARMENIA WILL ATTEND THE THAILAND REGENT’S SCHOOL

Arminfo
2007-04-19 14:08:00

Thailand Regent’s school again invited Armenian pupils to get English
education with 90% discount. Founder of the school Virachai Techavijit
arrived in Yerevan to collect pupils from Armenia.

He said at today’s press-conference that 10% out of the general sum
of the annual payment for training is $2 thsd instead of $20thsd. Only
four pupils from Armenia may have such a discount, but 10 pupils will
leave for Thailand.

The rest 6 pupils will also have discounts up to 75% and 50%.

The contract on training at the Regent’s school was signed in 2006
between Armenian Education Ministry and the founder of the Thailand
Regent’s school.

The school-leavers will get an opportunity of training in the best
Universities of the world -Oxford, Cambridge, etc.

MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS OF ARMENIA CONSIDER THAT U.S. SHOULD BE ENGAGED IN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEMS JOINTLY WITH ANOTHER COUNTRIES

Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. 58% respondents of the survey conducted
by the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
in 2006 November considers that U.S. jointly with another countries
should make a contribution to solution of international problems
and in the opinion of 7%, U.S. should continue playing the part of
a world leader. Stepan Safarian, Head of Studies of ACNIS, reported
this at the April 19 discussion.

As regards the U.S.’ having the status of superpower, 27% residents
of Armenia considers that U.S. should renounce its efforts aimed at
solution of international problems. In the opinion of 70%, U.S. is
not obliged to play the role of "policeman of the world," i.e. to
struggle against violation of international law and aggression no
matter where they happen. The opinions about military presence of
U.S. abroad differ: 37% considers that U.S. should reduce the number of
its military bases, 26% considers that these bases should be maintained
and in the opinion of 16%, U.S. should increase their number.

In S. Safarian’s words, surveys on the same subject were held in
a number of other countries of the world, the total population
of which makes 56% of population of the world. The majority of
population of 13 out of 15 countries interrogated at the survey
considers that U.S. plays the role of "policeman of the world more than
necessary." 3/4 or more of population of France (89%), Australia (80%),
China (77%), Russia (76%) holds such opinion. Most of all residents
of Argentina, Palestine, France and China are for reduction of the
number of military bases of U.S.

Armenian National Committee of Toronto
45 Hallcrown Place
Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Y4
Tel: 416 491 2900
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Marianne Davitjan

This year marks the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a year in
which important strides have been made to further international
recognition of the Genocide. The Armenian National Committee of Toronto
(ANCT) is determined to make 2007 stand out as one of action. ANCT’s
focus this year is on The Georgetown Boys, survival and perseverance.

The ANCT is hosting the Genocide commemoration on Sunday, April 22nd 2007
and supporting the events listed below, which we urge you to attend and
publicize enthusiastically within your circle of friends and colleagues,
in order for the Armenian Cause to extend beyond the confines of the
Armenian community.

We would appreciate it if you could make a concerted effort to be present.

What: Lecture – ANC Europe Update
When: Friday April 20th, 2007 8:30 pm
Where: ACC Toronto, 45 Hallcrown Place
Misc: Ms. Hilda Choboian, Chairperson, European Armenian Federation for
Justice and democracy
Contact: Nora Sarkissian
Email: [email protected]
Web:

What: Armenian Genocide Commemoration. (Organized by ANC of Hamilton )
When: Saturday April 21st, 2007 @ 7:00 pm
Where: Armenian Community Centre of Hamilton . 191 Barton St. Hamilton ,
Ontario
Misc: Key Note Speaker: Ms. Hilda Choboian, Chairperson, European Armenian
Federation for Justice and democracy
Contact: Jack Apkarian
Tel: 1-905-632-8066
Web:

What: Armenian Genocide Commemoration,
Under the Auspices of:
ARF Soghomon Tehlirian Gomide,
S.D. (Hnchagian) Party Paramaz Chapter
A.D.L (Ramgavar) Yesayi Yaghoubian Chapter
Organized by the ANC of Toronto
When: Sunday April 22nd, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Where: ACC Toronto, 45 Hallcrown Place Toronto, Ontario
Misc: A Tribute to the Georgetown Boys, Key Note Speaker: Professor Isabel
Kaprielian-Churchill
Contact: Khachig Karshafian
Email: [email protected]
Web:

What: Armenian Genocide Commemoration. (Organized by ANC Cambridge)
When: Sunday April 22nd, 2007. 2:30PM Placing of Wreath. 3:00PM
Commemoration Ceremony.
Where: ACC Cambridge, 15 International Village Drive, Cambridge Ontario
Misc: Key Note Speaker: Raffi Sarkissian
Contact: JP Assadourian
Tel: 1-519-748-7817
Web:

What: Armenian Genocide Commemoration in front of Parliament followed by a
political rally in front of the Turkish Embassy, Organized by ANC Canada
When: Tuesday, April 24th, 2007 busses depart @ 6:30 am from the ACC
Toronto
45 Hallcrown Place
Where: Ottawa, Parliament of Canada and Turkish Embassy
Misc: none
Contact: Aris Babikian
Tel: 613.235.2622
Email: [email protected]
Web:

What: Toronto Armenian Candle light vigil
When: Thursday April 26th, 2007 @ 7:00 pm
Where: Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario
Misc: Organized by the Co-ASA and Armen Karo Student Association
Contact: Paul Ternamian
Email: [email protected]
Web:

What: Screamers featuring System of a Down
When: Opening Night Friday May 4th, 2007
Guest Appearance: Director Carla Garapedian
Where: Canada Square 2190 Yonge St. (at Eglinton Ave. W.), Toronto
Misc: Sponsored by the ANCT
Contact: Jack Tchakmakian
Tel: [email protected]
Web:

To be on the mailing list and receive the latest news and upcoming events,
go to , bottom right corner of the page submit your email.

The ANCT a chapter of the ANCC, the part of the largest and the most
influential Canadian-Armenian grassroots political organization. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC
actively advances the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a
broad range of issues.

VACCINATION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA TO BE CARRIED OUT SOON IN ADULT GROUPS OF ARMENIAN POPULATION

Noyan Tapan
Apr 17 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Vaccination against diphtheria will
be carried out in the next few months in the following age groups of
the Armenian population: 26-year-olds, 36-year-olds, 46-year-olds
and 56-year-olds. Head of the RA National Immunoprevention Program
Gayane Sahakian told NT corresondent that the RA Ministry of Health
has already obtained the necessary vaccine.

According to her, a number of controllable infectious diseases are
not currently registered in Armenia, including diphtheria, the last
case of which was registered in 2002. However, G. Sahakian added,
we should take into account the fact that cases of diphtheria still
occur in several neighboring countries, as well as countries having
diplomatic and economic relations with Armenia, including Russia
and Iran. G. Sahakian said that previously diphtheria was considered
a children’s infection, whereas in recent years adults, especially
those aged 30-50, have been diagnosed as having diphtheria.

NAJARIAN BECOMES MAYOR
By Ryan Vaillancourt

Glendale News Press, CA
April 17 2007

Newest council member declines a surprise nomination for mayor,
delivers rebuke to council.

GLENDALE – The ceremonial swearing in ceremony of the city’s new
mayor turned into a near stalemate on Tuesday before Councilman Ara
Najarian notched the final nomination, and handed out olive branches
to the new council.

The meeting was not short of surprises.

Among them was the nomination of newest addition to the Council, John
Drayman, to the mayoral seat by both Councilmen Frank Quintero and
Bob Yousefian. Yousefian also nominated Najarian, himself, Councilman
Dave Weaver and, jokingly, "Tony Soprano."

Drayman declined the nomination, insisting that he was not ready
for the position and that Yousefian – who, as the current chair of
the Redevelopment Agency was considered a likely candidate for the
position – had made a donation to the Drayman campaign.

In abstaining, Drayman also issued his new colleagues a challenge –
one of the four councilmen would have to vote across the Armenian and
non-Armenian ethnic line, which he also referenced in his acceptance
speech.

Najarian nominated Yousefian.

"I would urge you to put your faith in Mr. Yousefian," Najarian said.

"I’m confident that Bob could run a heck of a meeting."

Weaver and Quintero each nominated Najarian and declined to reconsider.

In what appeared to be the first stalemate of the new council during
their first deliberation, Yousefian urged Drayman to reconsider his
decision to abstain.

"Unless you reconsider your vote, nobody is going to ‘walk through
that door,’" Yousefian said.

Drayman declined, and chastised the council.

"This is your little red wagon," Drayman said. "You guys are pulling
it, I’m not going to climb in. This is just part of the business as
usual … that I and many of the voters don’t understand."

To avoid the stalemate – and a situation that would have required
the council to elect a mayor pro-tem on a weekly basis – Yousefian
reconsidered and shifted his vote to Najarian.

Najarian spoke out at length about bridging any cultural gaps that
have conflicted the council in the past and closed the meeting by
pulling out olive branches, symbols of peace, and handing them to
his new colleagues.

Newly elected Glendale Community College District Board Trustees Tony
Tartaglia and Vahe Peroomian were also sworn in, as was new Glendale
Unified School District Board of Education member Nayiri Nahabedian.

Mary Boger, who was re-elected to the board, was sworn in at the
board meeting Tuesday afternoon.